A/N: So sorry for the late update! I'm going through a lot right now, which I will explain at the end of this chapter. The gist is I'm moving to another country and things are crazy.
Neomoon585 – I wanted to incorporate some of my favorites from Trolls: The Beat Goes On. Keep an eye out for more of those! Also, thanks for the OC, Hazel!
Jpbake – Cooper is not married. I like him as a bachelor, for now.
Enjoy this chapter! I'll do my best to get back into updating soon, especially after I've settled into my new place. Wish me luck!
Chapter Three – Sister's Sincerity
Ash's family took notice of their youngest member's plight. After he determined talking to his family didn't help, Ash resorted to sitting on the wall of Bergen Town and staring at the forest. He would leave before breakfast and not return until dinnertime. He refused to talk about what he was doing or thinking about. Even Eclipse could not get him to talk.
One night, Ash went to bed earlier than the rest of his family. He changed into his pajamas and pulled his backpack out from under his bed. He packed his essentials and a few books about survival, camping, plant life in the forest, and his notes on useful spells. He checked his bag for any rips or loose buttons.
Someone was coming. Ash shoved the bag under his bed and crawled under his blanket. He shut his eyes and pretended to sleep as the door opened.
"Do you think we should talk to him?" Poppy asked.
"Nah, not right now." Branch said. They spoke softly, not wanting to wake him. "Besides, what will talking do?"
"I guess you're right." Poppy sighed. "I just wish I knew what to do about him."
"No troll has ever been born grey, Pops." Branch said. "Sure, I was grey for twenty years. The Moonlight Kingdom trolls were grey for a few decades. But Ash is different. There's never been anything like him before. Something is going to unlock his colors, or he's just going to be like this forever."
"We already love him. I just wish he could find a way to love himself." Poppy stepped over and kissed Ash's head. She and Branch exited the room.
At that moment, Ash felt some remorse for what he was going to do. But he reasoned there was no other way. So he snuck out of bed and checked his bag again. After ensuring he had all his things, he changed into his normal clothes and crawled out his bedroom window. He supposed being grey and black came in handy when sneaking around in the nighttime. Steve already waited at the bottom of the Troll Tree, drawn there by a trail of snacks Ash had left before dinner.
"Hey, buddy." Ash greeted the crocodile. "Ready for a little trip?"
Steve nuzzled the grey troll, and Ash climbed onto the reptile's back. He quietly spurred the animal into moving, and Steve made his way to the gates of Bergen Town.
Should Ash be telling his family where he was going? Sure, except he didn't exactly know where he was going. It was just away from the Troll Tree. Should Ash tell his family he's leaving? Maybe, but they already know why. At least, they're all smart enough to guess. The answer to where to find his colors lay outside his home. A little new scenery wouldn't kill him, anyway. He steered Steve to the edge of Troll Grove, where the crocodile stepped onto the streets of Bergen Town and headed for the gates.
Suddenly, a circle of light appeared in Ash's path, and Steve hissed in surprise as he stopped. Someone stepped from the circle of light, which disappeared to reveal a familiar grandmother with that "you're in trouble now" look.
"Nice try, Ash." Rosiepuff said. "Did you think you'd make it to the gate without someone catching you?"
"Well, I tried." Ash shrugged. "Guess I forgot that you already mastered that portal transportation spell."
"Don't forget that Eclipse's magic she gave me is just as powerful as your blood magic." Rosiepuff looked past Ash. "Got him!"
Ash turned and groaned. Peppy, Branch, Poppy, Prowlus, Harper, Ebony, and even Gristle, Bridget, and the twins walked up to them. "I'm not as sneaky as I think, huh?" Ash asked.
"Oh, you're pretty sneaky." Branch said. "But we had a feeling you'd be leaving, and we prepared for it."
"And we know why you want to leave, and we agree that you should do what you think will help yourself." Poppy said. "Just hear us out."
"First off, we want you to have some adult supervision." Peppy said. "So Prowlus and Harper are going with you."
Ash looked to his brother. Prowlus and Harper already had backpacks and looked ready to go. Ebony remained close by Prowlus's side. Ash finally smiled. "Okay, deal."
"Also, Gris would like you join you." Gristle said. "To accomplish his dream of getting worldly experience before becoming king."
"Please?" Gris gave his best puppy dog pout. He, too, had a camping bag prepared.
"Sure thing, Gris." Ash agreed. "It'll be a big 'finding ourselves' quest. Could even be fun."
"I'm sure it will." Bridget said.
"Bring me back a souvenir, okay?" Sparkler hugged her brother goodbye. "A unicorn would be nice, but whatever you find will be great."
Gris chuckled. "I'll do my best, sis."
Ash slid off Steve to hug his family, thankful they understood. Branch hooked a saddlebag onto Steve's collar. "This bag, and Prowlus and Harper's bags, have gifts from your family. We went around to all your aunts and uncles and friends, and they've each contributed something to help you along on your adventure."
"Don't forget your magic training." Poppy said, kissing her son's head.
"And remember you have a guardian angel looking out for you." Rosiepuff added.
"Thanks." Ash said. "I promise, I'll be safe."
"Oh, one more thing." Branch pulled a compact mirror from his hair and handed it to his youngest son. "That has a communication spell on it. Call home every now and then, okay? Just to check in."
"I will. I promise." Ash said.
Branch tousled Ash's wild hair. "We're all very proud of you, and we wish you the best of luck. If I may offer some advice: start in New Moonlight Kingdom. Your sister could give you some advice about adventuring and finding yourself."
"I have to start somewhere, I guess." Ash shrugged. He climbed onto Steve, and Prowlus and Harper mounted Ebony.
"You should reach the kingdom in less than a few days." Poppy said. "Be safe."
"Good luck!" Peppy added.
Ash beamed with excitement. "Take a good look, everyone! By the time I get home, I'll have my colors!" He spurred Steve into a run, and Ebony took flight. Gris ran after them. Their families waved after them. The travelers hit the already-opening gates, and they were out in the forest.
Ash looked back only once. I'll be back.
"Next stop?" Gris asked.
"New Moonlight Kingdom." Ash confirmed. "Let's go!"
Taking breaks when needed, the travelers did indeed reach New Moonlight Kingdom a day and a half later. The trolls there welcomed them warmly. Ever since they moved to their new home, Moonlight Kingdom trolls flourished. Some of them moved to the Troll Tree, and some of the Troll Tree trolls even moved to New Moonlight Kingdom. While their customs mostly stayed the same, they were no longer a solemn crowd.
As Branch declared years ago, Rosie stood next in line to be Empress, and had since been crowned as such. She and the other royals soon heard of the travelers' arrival, and they hurried to meet them. Rosie took to wearing Eclipse's old dresses, tailored to fit her better, and even wore a crown made of obsidian and metal. Creek earned Branch's approval to marry Rosie, and humbly took the title of Prince Consort, therefore giving his wife the ultimate power over the kingdom. They were blessed with a son named Varian, who had dark blue hair and lavender skin. He had heterochromia, like his mother, with one red iris and one blue iris. Creek and Rosie recently had a daughter they named Mizuki, after Creek's grandmother. She had her father's hair and sky blue skin like Branch. Mizuki's eyes were dark blue like her father's.
"Uncle Ash! Uncle Prowlus!" Varian cheered as he nearly tackled his uncles in a hug.
"Hey V, what's up?" Ash laughed.
"It's been a while, guys." Rosie hugged her brothers. "Harper, Gris, always a pleasure. What brings you to New Moonlight Kingdom?"
"We're on a bit of a quest, and Dad said maybe you could advise us." Ash said.
'Mind if we stay the night? We've been traveling all night and day.' Prowlus requested.
"Excited to get out, huh?" Rosie giggled. She called for a couple trolls to take Ebony and Steve while she invited the travelers to a clear spot for lunch and to talk. Ash explained his quest.
"Hmm, interesting." Creek mused as he bottle-fed Mizuki. "Your case is quite special, Ash, but I see no reason why you couldn't find your colors through a spiritual journey."
"Plus, you can go out and see the other kingdoms." Rosie said.
"And on your own, too." Varian pouted. "Mom doesn't let me travel alone."
"Don't get too excited." Ash said. "Mom and Dad said I need 'adult supervision' too. That's why Harper and Prowlus are along."
"Empress Rosie, your people are familiar with being grey, yes?" Gris said as they finished their lunch. "Could they help Ash?"
"You're certainly welcome to ask around." Rosie said. "I'm sure everyone will be happy to help how they can."
Ash, Prowlus, Harper, and Gris thanked the royals and went off to explore the kingdom. The Moonlight Kingdom trolls greeted them warmly. Thankfully, they had all gotten used to bergens, so Gris didn't scare them anymore.
"Hey there, Prince Ash! Hey Prowlus!" a troll called from the roof of his house.
'It's Kyle!' Prowlus signed excitedly. He ran over to his old friend, and Kyle used his hair to swing down to the ground and hug Prowlus.
"Kyle, did I hear you correctly?" a female troll stepped from the house, followed by a second female. One of the females' bangs hung in her clouded eyes.
"It's Prowlus and Ash, Kessie!" Kyle confirmed excitedly.
Kessie was blind, but she could sense auras, and knew immediately where to go to find a hug from her old friends. "It's so good of you to visit."
"Long time, no see." The second female said.
"Robin was just saying how we should go see you." Kyle said.
"Prowlus is happy to see you." Ash said. Indeed, Prowlus was overjoyed. Kyle, Robin, and Kessie were his closest friends growing up in Moonlight Kingdom. They were so happy he was adopted by Poppy and Branch, but they did have trouble living in different kingdoms, at first.
"You seem troubled, young prince." Kessie noted. Ash explained their quest.
"If you had grown up in Moonlight Kingdom, your colors would've been dull anyway." Kyle said. "Until we moved out of the Western Woods, we had a hard time keeping our colors."
"I suppose what helped was finding love and support from each other." Robin said.
"Is that why you all live together?" Harper asked. "None of you are married, right?"
"Nope. We're just three great friends who love each other." Kyle said, wrapping his arms around Kessie's and Robin's shoulders.
"Why do you think we lose our colors?" Ash asked. "There was a time when all Moonlight Kingdom trolls were grey."
"That's probably a better question for David and Moxie." Robin said.
"Or for Crimson and Jasmine." Kessie suggested. "They should be at the training center with Suki and DJ." They set off for a walled-off area just next to the village. Here, the guards and phoenix trainers could practice without the risk of a stray arrow or spear hitting anyone.
They found Suki first, who flew in the air on her phoenix, DJ, and led the other phoenixes in drills. Suki decided she felt more at home in her mother's birthplace, and so decided to move to New Moonlight Kingdom permanently after Rosie took the throne.
"Hey! Look who came to visit!" Suki waved as she landed DJ in front of the group. Gris decided to stay outside the center, talking with a couple passing trolls.
"I guess we should make more time to see you guys." Ash rubbed the back of his head sheepishly. He explained his reason for coming.
"Hazel might be able to help." Suki looked up to a nearby tree and then whistled. "Hey Hazel! Come on down here!"
A troll swung down from the tree and landed expertly next to Suki. The troll then kissed Suki, and Ash gagged a little. Hazel had forest green eyes and raspberry-colored hair, her skin a deep royal blue. She had several small braids in her hair, and dressed "like a rocker," as she described: red ripped pants that went to her knees, black ripped shirt, and piercings in her left ear.
"Quest for your colors, huh?" Hazel mused after Suki explained. "Losing your colors is a weird thing. My mom, Olive, was born with her colors, but lost them a day later because of what was happening in Moonlight Kingdom at the time. She got them back through the rebellion. I guess I get my colors because I don't care what others think of me. I am myself, and I'm proud. I do as I please and don't worry about a thing." She kissed Suki again, making her giggle.
"Babe, stop it." Suki giggled.
"You know I can never get enough of you." Hazel said.
"I might barf." Ash stuck out his tongue.
Harper laughed. "I can't wait for you to get a girlfriend or a boyfriend."
"What's going on over here?"
Three trolls approached, and smiled when they saw the visitors. David had grown, and now stood just as tall and burly as his father. Moxie was ever by his side, just as good an archer as her grandmother. They had a child together soon after marrying, and their little girl already loved to join them at the training center, constantly asking when she could be a knight like her parents and grandparents.
"Well, I don't think explaining how we get our colors will help, my prince." David said. "But let's go see my parents. They understand prolonged greyness better than I do." He, Moxie, and their daughter led Ash, Prowlus, Harper, and Gris back into town.
Crimson and Jasmine had finally retired after Crimson accepted that his old bones couldn't take the exercise anymore. Thankfully, they lived happily and quietly in their home, and were happy to have guests.
"There are many subspecies of trolls." Jasmine explained over tea. "But we all have the ability to lose our colors and regain them. Our colors are part of who we are. We are colorful creatures full of hope and laughter and love. That is naturally who we are. So losing those parts of us causes our colors to fade. Nobody knows why or how it happens."
"During Eclipse's rule of the kingdom, colors were strictly outlawed, reserved for the royal family and those she deemed worthy." Crimson said. "Once we were allowed to live and love as we normally do, our colors steadily returned on their own."
"So what does it mean for me?" Ash asked. "The only thing I'm losing hope about is that I'm going to be grey forever. I'm happy and healthy and I love my family. So why am I stuck like this?"
"From what I hear, you were born this way." Crimson said.
"You can be born grey?" David and Moxie's daughter asked, confused.
"I was." Ash sighed. "And, apparently, I'm the first."
"It wasn't your fault, Ash." Harper said. "It was Malcolm."
"I heard a lot about him." Ash said. "Like how he had magic and he was evil, but also that he was my family. Related to me by blood. How could he just attack his own family?"
"From what I remember about that day, he did it for revenge against your grandparents." Harper said. "He was cruel and vindictive."
"He manipulated even Eclipse and Stella." Crimson said.
"And after he died, his spirit terrorized our home." David added.
"He was just a really bad person." Moxie sighed. "That's why he did it. Because he never cared about anyone but himself."
Ash touched the flame mark on his chest. "I still don't understand how close I came to dying that day. I guess I should consider myself lucky that I came out with just the grey." He cringed a little. "I'm not anything like Malcolm, right?"
'Of course not.' Prowlus said.
"Prince Ash, I don't think talking to others will help you find your colors." Crimson said. "But this adventure will surely guide you to answers."
Ash smiled a little. "Thanks. Wish I had a little more confidence in myself."
Everyone departed for home after that. Ash, Prowlus, Harper, and Gris went to the small castle where Rosie, Creek, and their children lived, built in the branches of a tree.
"Incoming!"
"Duck!" Harper yelped. She, Ash, and Prowlus ducked and Gris jumped back as someone flew over their heads on a skitterboard. The rider skidded to a halt.
"Whoops." The rider chuckled sheepishly. "Sorry about that."
Ash looked up and recognized the reptilian, troll-sized creature. "No problem, Archer. What's going on?"
Archer, the former Party Crasher, kicked the skitterboard to his hands. "I promised Varian I would give him lessons in 'feral fighting' for his birthday. We're supposed to start tomorrow, under his mom's supervision. Plus, Queen Poppy wanted me to do some stuff for her here. What's up with you guys? When did you leave the Troll Tree?"
"Ash is on a quest to find his colors." Harper explained. "We thought we'd get some advice from the trolls here."
"A color quest, hmm?" Archer mused.
"I've asked everyone back home what brings out their colors: Mom, Dad, Grandpa and Grandma, all my aunts and uncles, even Keith." Ash said.
Archer sighed blissfully. "Ah, Keith. I like that guy. He's got me, Biggie, and GD hooked on his Icarus stories. You know, you're spending so much time finding other people's colors. Why don't you try practicing what makes you who you are? I bet your colors would appear if you exemplified a strong trait."
"What trait of mine is strongest?" Ash wondered.
"What about bravery?" Gris suggested. "You're one of the bravest trolls I know."
"It's worth a try." Ash shrugged.
"Why don't you go to the dark forest where your mom and I became friends?" Archer advised.
"The Fearsome Forest?" Gris asked. "Are you sure?"
"Why not?" Archer said. "I think it'll help. That's the best place to test your bravery. You may even find a little help along the way. Or, you know, certain death."
'Certain death?' Prowlus repeated.
"Best of luck!" Archer hopped on the skitterboard, and he was gone.
"I like Archer, I do." Harper said. "But I don't always understand him."
"Same." Gris said.
"Agreed." Ash nodded. Prowlus nodded, too.
The next morning, the travelers awoke bright and early and had a good breakfast with Rosie, Creek, Varian, and Mizuki.
"I hope you find what you're looking for out there, Ash." Rosie said. She handed him a dagger in a scabbard. "You may need a tool or something to defend yourself. Practice your magic when you can, and be safe."
"I will." Ash hugged his sister. "I'm ready for this."
"I know you are." Rosie assured.
"And to make sure you leave in good spirits," Creek said.
"We have a surprise for you!" Varian finished. The royals pushed the doors to the castle open, revealing most of the kingdom gathered outside. Music already began to play, and Steve, Gris, and Ebony waited at the end of the walkway.
Rosie hugged her brother again, and began to sing.
You're gonna blaze your own trail and follow the sun
Go on out and show them you've just begun
Creek took the next lines, and Varian joined his parents' song.
Don't be afraid to try new things and be who you are
Show the world what you're made of, go make your mark
You're on your way
Off on a new adventure
Who knows what you'll find out there?
On you way
Nothing standing in your way
So go on out and find that missing part of you
Go on, now, you're on your way
Ash hugged his sister again. He, Prowlus, and Harper ran past the crowd of trolls lining the road, all of them waving and wishing him luck. Prowlus waved goodbye to his friends. Crimson and his family let out their loudest cheers.
Know that you got some good friends by your side
Saddle your steed, face the unknown, it's time to ride
Feel the sun on your face and the wind in your hair
Leave your worries behind, the world is waiting out there
You're on your way
Off on a new adventure
Who knows what you'll find out there?
On you way
Nothing standing in your way
So go on out and find that missing part of you
Go on, now, you're on your way
Prowlus and Harper leaped onto Ebony, who took flight. Gris jogged after her. Ash hopped onto Steve and looked back to his family. He waved to them.
"Thanks, Rosie." Ash sighed happily. He turned and kicked Steve into a run. He wasn't quite sure where he would go next. But he was hopeful for what this adventure would bring.
On your way
Starting a new adventure
On your way
Finding things about yourself
On your way
Never let the fear take over
Rosie watched her brothers disappear into the forest, a smile on her face.
You're on your way
Nothing gonna stop you today
A/N: Original song: "On Your Way"
This is just an update on how things are going to go for the next month or so.
First off, this will be the last update for a few weeks. I am in the middle of a huge move to another country, which is why I haven't been updating for a while. I'm in the process of packing my things, quitting my job, etc., so I have little time to write. This is also why I don't have time to respond to PM's. Once I'm more settled, I will be back on schedule. All I ask is for your patience. Thanks, guys!